Carrying more than one phone started out as a trend but has now become a necessity for most people.

Having more than one number is the need of the hour but until the recent past, there weren’t many smartphones that offered the facility of being dual-SIM phones and running a smartphone OS at the same time.

That trend however has started to change. Today, we list for you five devices that not only offer users dual-SIM capabilities but double up as Android smartphones as well.

HTC Desire V

Display size: 4-inch

Display Type: Capacitive touchscreen

Internal Storage: 4GB

Expandable storage: MicroSD card up to 32GB

Front camera: NA

Rear Camera: 5MP

Processor: 1GHz Cortex A5

SIM: GSM GSM

OS: Android 4.0 ICS

Battery: 1,650 mAh

Price: Rs. 19,999

The most expensive phone on this list, the HTC Desire V is the first smartphone from HTC’s stable to boast of dual-SIM capabilities. The device runs on Google’s Android OC version 4.0 ICS. The phone also has the premium look and feel that we expect from an HTC device. The battery life on the device may only last for one day but the device has access to the Google Play store giving users access to a plethora of apps and games to run on the device. The Desire V offers GSM GSM dual-SIM capability and if you are one who would like a GSM CDMA combo, you can take a look at the HTC Desire VC. The specifications are the same and the VC is priced at Rs. 20,950

Samsung Galaxy S Duos

Display size: 4-inch

Display Type: TFT capacitive touchscreen

Internal Storage: 4GB

Expandable storage: microSD, up to 32 GB

Front camera: 0.3

Rear Camera: 5MP

Processor: 1GHz

SIM: GSM GSM

OS: Android 4.0 ICS

Battery: 1,500 mAh

Price: Rs. 17,499

The Galaxy S Duos has a form factor and design reminiscent of the Galaxy S III. It runs on Android 4.0 ICS and is skinned with Samsung’s TouchWiz UI. Its specifications are good enough to run all the apps from the app store. This phone is ideal for anyone who is a part of the Samsung eco system and likes to use Android devices skinned with Samsung’s UI. It offers dual-SIM capabilities of GSM GSM.

Karbonn A18

Display size: 4.3-inch

Display Type: Capacitive touchscreen

Internal Storage: 2.55GB

Expandable storage: MicroSD card up to 32GB

Front camera: 1.3MP

Rear Camera: 5MP

Processor: 1GHz

SIM: GSM GSM

OS: Android 4.0 ICS

Battery: 1,500 mAh

Price: Rs. 9,790

If you have a budget of Rs. 10,000 and are looking to buy a smartphone, pick up the Karbonn A18 with your eyes closed. It is a very good performer, stock Android ICS straight out of the box, great battery life and a decent camera too; not to mention the IPS display, though it does get scratched easily. The only down side, and we are nitpicking here, is the plastic nature of the rear panel. To top it off, the device has GSM GSM dual-SIM capabilities.

Spice Mi 425

Display size: 4.1-inch

Display Type: TFT capacitive touchscreen

Internal Storage: 149MB

Expandable storage: microSD, up to 32GB

Front camera: VGA

Rear Camera: 5MP

Processor: 1GHz

SIM: GSM GSM

OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Battery: 2,000mAh

Price: Rs. 9,999

The Spice Stellar MI 425 has a decent build; good power under the hood, good inbuilt speakers, and to sweeten the deal, it can be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. The interface is a little sluggish thanks to the preloaded skin but that can be replaced to improve the performance. The screen could have been better and the device is heavier than we’d like, but if Rs. 10,000 is your budget, you should definitely consider this just for the OS upgrade and the good build. Plus, the device boasts of dual-SIM capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos

Display size: 3.5-inch

Display Type: TFT capacitive touchscreen

Internal Storage: 3GB

Expandable storage: microSD, up to 32 GB

Front camera: NA

Rear Camera: 5MP

Processor: 832MHz

SIM: GSM GSM

OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Battery: 1,300 mAh

Price: Rs. 11,900

The Samsung Galaxy Ace Duos comes with Android 2.3 and has Samsung’s TouchWiz UI skinned over the OS. The 832 MHz processor is more than enough to run the apps available in the app store though it may seem a little underwhelming considering the other devices on this list. It has a 5MP camera that gets the job done for capturing your precious moments. The battery life on the device is good and will appeal to those looking for a sturdy device.